Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

:: Hout Bay :: Noordhoek :: Kommetjie :: Scarborough :: Cape of Good Hope :: :: Simon’s Town :: Fish Hoek :: Kalk Bay :: St. James :: Muizenberg ::



Monday, October 25, 2010

Relaxing at Leopardstone Hill, Noordhoek







Natasha visited Leopardstone Hill and fell in love with this house built from stone in Noordhoek and the personalized attention she received during her stay. Read her account of this gorgeous hideaway just 40 minutes from central Cape Town. Bookings can be directly or through Cape Point Route.

We arrived rather late, at about 19h00 and found the place easily, thanks to the website directions. My son, boyfriend and I were greeted warmly and promptly by Alison on arrival. She immediately showed us to our cottage, taking us around the house showing every little detail that we would need to know in order to have a convenient and comfortable stay. The Stone Cottage which sleeps 6 people comfortably was truly beautiful, the minute we stepped out of the car all we heard was silence, peacefulness and a frequent cry from a peacock in the distance, which was such a beautiful sound. Stepping into the house the atmosphere was so cozy and there was a beautiful vase of Fresh proteas to welcome us!

The entire house is built from mountain rocks, warm large rugs warmed up the house and all the wooden frames and features were just a few of the reasons why I loved the feel of this cottage. The owners had picked up the rocks at a site on the mountain and decided to build a cottage with them! Alison, the owner of Leopardstone Hill was kind enough to explain to us as to how she came up with name Leopardstone Hill, and she is actually one of the volunteers of an organization that helps the protection and survival of the Western Leopard Toads that are endangered. Thus her establishment being in the habitat of the Leopard Toads is named after this amazing reptile.

Stepping into the house the first thing that caught my eye was the lounge area straight ahead and its warm cozy feel. Comfy couches with a fire place and a huge window looking out onto the beautiful Noordhoek horizon as the sun set. The fully equipped kitchen was directly on my right with microwave, four plate stove and oven, kettle, all utensils and crockery. The kitchen included pots, pans, bowls, plunger coffee, sugar and even salt and pepper. The plunger and plunger coffee was a very nice addition. A reasonable jug of milk had been left in the fridge for us and firewood and coals were offered to us as well.

The two bedrooms each consisted of two single beds with furry water bottles on each bed as well as a mirror. The beds were covered in crisp white sheets and warm white duvet covers. A child safety gate is also provided in one of the rooms. Each room has extra throws and pillows; there is enough cupboard space in each room to accommodate guests luggage. The bathroom has a big deep oval bath and toilet, including two toilet rolls, hand wash, body lotion and cotton wool. We decided to Braai for supper and while my son had been relaxing watching satellite TV we were out on the back porch sipping wine and relaxing to the gentle sounds of the nightlife insects and peacocks somewhere in the distance. Supper at the huge wooden table together was stunning and the fire warming up the rest of the house was snug and inviting. We sat up till late, playing monopoly and Liam reading story books that were there for his pleasure. We had a late romantic bath using all the candles scattered around the house - such a nice thing to have around for ambience!

There is an amazing garden space below the barbeque deck where guinea fowls run and fynbos grows freely. An outside Tree swing for the kids is found along the path way to the rock pool. The pool area is surrounded by stylish wooden fames and flooring. The pool is not very big which made it so nice for relaxing and cooling off in the water. I loved the fact that it was small enough for my little one to swim with me. The pool does have a deep end though, so kids should be supervised. To add to the perfect peacefulness of the pool area was a hammock – just perfect for a chill out session with a good book!

Just outside the Stone Cottage is a marvelous touch - the outside shower. The weather was good so having the option of either a hot or cold water shower outside was incredible. Candles are placed around the shower too and it is enclosed with large wooden frames so privacy is offered and it felt truly romantic to have the option of showering with the stars shining clearly above our heads.

An inspirational feature was Alison’s veggie garden filled with cabbages, cauliflower, pumpkin and even carrots, so many greens for that perfect salad or meal – and what’s more it wasn’t just a temptation – we were encouraged to help ourselves to whatever we needed! What a treat to have home grown produce to pick straight from the ground. Just past the veggie garden there is a chicken coop for fresh eggs. There is a full play area for the kids including a trampoline, which kept my son entertained for most of the day.

Thanks Alison and your team at Leopardstone Hill in Noordhoek for a warm welcome and relaxing stay. I just loved the child friendliness of your place – great for a parent to have a holiday here where we get to relax as well! Your attention to detail with little touches make Leopardstone Hill a very special getaway! Thank You.

Accommodation at Leopardstone Hill can be made booked through Cape Point Route as well as numerous other delightful holiday accommodation in Noordhoek and in the surrounding villages of the Cape Point Route.

IMAGES:
1. The main living area of Stone Cottage at Leopardstone Hill, courtesy of LeopardStone Hill
2. The Main bedroom at Leopardstone Hill, Noordhoek, courtesy of Leopardstone Hill
3. Liam on the trampoline, with playground at Leopardsone Hill - courtesy of Natasha Marco
4. Cauliflower in the veggie garden at Leopardstone Hill - courtesy of Natasha Marco
5. Stone swimming pool area - courtesy of Natasha Marco

Friday, October 22, 2010

Destination of the Day - Muizenberg






With the International Kite Festival happening in Muizenberg this weekend (23 – 24 October 2010) Muizenberg simply has to be the destination of the day!

The International Kite Festival is a feast of colour and action and starts daily 10am – 6pm. Entry is R15 for adults and R5 for kids and is happening at Zandvlei. You can do much more than just watch kites blowing in the wind as there is kite flying, kite making, food stalls, kiddies rides and a craft market.

But I digress. Muizenberg is back! With secure new retail and residential developments on the beachfront and a buzzing Surfer’s Corner – Muizenberg is the place to be (especially this weekend)

Known as a hot spot of surfing culture in Cape Town, Muizenberg is a holidaymakers paradise with a gently sloping beach (which goes for miles and miles) and child friendly waves. The ocean water is warmer than those “trendy Atlantic seaboard” beaches. Muizenberg is distinctive for its colourful bathing boxes and yes you CAN hire one!

Behind the beach itself there are fresh water swimming pools, putt-putt mini golf, water slides (the well know SUPERTUBE) and jungle gyms. The beachfront is busy not only with surfers and potential surfers but restaurants, an artesian bakery, coffee shops and great holiday accommodation.

You won’t be bored in Muizenberg! Obviously Surfing is one of the key activities but also at the beach you can go kite surfing, landsailing and stand up paddling. Lessons are available for beginners or advanced levels, all genders and all ages! It’s not uncommon to see 60 year olds in a surf lesson with 6 year olds!

From the beach is a scenic coastal walk to Kalk Bay – gently undulating and right on the waters edge. For more energetic hikers, start on Boyes Drive for hikes in Table Mountain National Park and up to the Kalk Bay Caves. Guided hikes are available if you’re not sure where you are going and the guides impart wonderful knowledge of the geology and flora of the region so you can go home with more knowledge in addition to your spectacular scenic hike!

At Zandvlei – canoeing and sailing are popular activities and of course kite flying –Zandlvlei is the venue for the International Kite Festival. There is very easy access to two world class golf courses – Westlake and Steenberg.

Muizenberg is also home to grand architecture and fascinating museums. Millionaires Mile was so called as Muizenberg was the hotspot for the mining magnates and tycoons from the turn of the century. Herbert Baker designed many of the homes, many of which have recently been refurbished. The Oppenheimers, the Sonnenburgs (founder of Woolworths); Robert St Leger (owner and editor of the Cape Times) and tobacco tycoons all had homes in Muizenberg.
Perhaps one of the most well known and recognised is the Venetian style Palazzo that is now Casa Labia which was built in 1929 and has just undergone a 2 year restoration and reopened a as a Cultural Centre. Great events, a fabulous Café and the Africa Nova Boutique.

Check out Rhodes Cottage Museum (the cottage where Cecil John Rhodes died in 1902). Summer hours are from 10h00 – 16h00 and well worth a visit for anyone interested in Rhodes or Cape History. There is a fabulous indigenous mountainside garden so do step out the cottage into the grounds. Also in Muizenberg is Het Posthuys Museum. First mapped in 1687 this is one of the oldest buildings in South Africa! It was initially used as a look out post for enemy ships entering False Bay. It also functioned as a storage place for naval goods, an ale and eating house and a private residence. It is run by the Muizenberg Historical society who run regular events and talks. And finally the Battle of Muizenberg Open Air site – marks the site of the Battle of Muizenberg on 7 August 1795 which led to the first British Occupation of the Cape. Please note that the South African Police Services (SAPS) museum is still closed.

The Muizenberg Village area is a charming precinct with narrow streets, Victorian buildings and an interesting shopping area around Palmer Road. The area has been upgraded and now houses bohemian style shops, bars, restaurants and boutiques. Take note of Muizenberg Railway station (particularly if you come by train!) which is a magnificent Edwardian Style building with an impressive clock tower. It opened in 1913!

If you’re staying in the Muizenberg area – why not book a seat at the Masque theatre – which is an active community theatre which was founded in 1959 and still going 50 years on! The current production from 22 – 30 October is Neil Simon’s GODS FAVOURITE.

Muizenberg is easily accessible by car or by train and is 25 km from Cape Town City Centre and 30 km from Cape Town International Airport.

IMAGES:
1. Muizenberg Beach Front - Myles Spolander - Corner Chat
2. Muizenberg Beach Huts - Peter Haarhof- Photographic Day Tours3. Muizenberg Supertube and waterslide
4. Muizenberg Synagogue - Google Images


Contact Cape Point Route for any Muizenberg Accommodation, or information on activities, attractions,and restuarants on the Cape Point Route

Monday, October 18, 2010

Introducing Casa Labia Cultural Centre







Cape Point Route is thrilled to introduce Casa Labia Cultural Centre in Muizenberg - this incredible building has been restored and reopened with a sensational cafe but check out theor programme of events too - lectures, art classes, workshops for kids, music concerts, poetry readings, book launches... and the cafe is too die for! A real boost in Muizenberg's repertoire!

Casa Labia was built to reflect the spirit of 18th century Venice, Casa Labia is South Africa’s most exquisite multi-functional cultural centre and up-market venue; complete with contemporary South African art gallery, Africa Nova boutique and an authentic Italian café.

Experience it
Casa Labia was designed for Count Natale Labia as a Cape version of the awe-inspiring Palazza Labia in Venice. Today, under the watchful eye of his granddaughter Antonia, the house remains a celebration of all that is unique and beautiful about Italy and South Africa.

Specials
The Café’s daily specials feature Italian classics made with proudly South African ingredients. We hand craft our menu weekly, changing with the seasons to provide options that are varied and interesting, so that regulars are never bored and always challenged!

Casa Labia Cultural Centre
Visitors can enjoy a programme of lectures, art classes, workshops for children and adults, music concerts, poetry readings and book launches throughout the year. - Booking essential.

Casa Labia Galleria
A new contemporary South African art gallery at Casa Labia celebrates the best of South African art with solo and group exhibitions offering a new dimension to Casa Labia’s more historic rooms. The Galleria is a must-see for all visitors.

Africa Nova at Casa Labia
Situated in the former Boudoir, Africa Nova is a dynamic, up-market boutique highly regarded for its unique blend of art, craft and contemporary design. Perhaps best described as "New African", the house style is urban, edgy and vibrant with echoes of the traditional forms of old Africa.

Casa Labia Café
Located in the former reception area as one enters the house, the intimate 40-seater Casa Labia Café exudes charm, warmth and authenticity. An ideal venue for brunch, lunch, elegant afternoon tea or a simple cup of very good coffee.

Why not pop in to Casa Labia Cultural Centre when you visit the International Kite Festival in Muizenberg on the 23rd and 24th October 2010.

Cape Point Route can assist with accommodation bookings in Muizenberg ang the surrounding areas should you wish to escape and spend a weekend on the Cape Point Route.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Kalk Bay Roadworks – one-way southbound only!






Important information if you want to get to the lovely seaside village of Kalk Bay. There have been major roadworks taking place in the area. A one-way system has been implemented which basically means you have to go along Main Road from the Muizenberg side.

You cannot go from Fish Hoek along Main Road to Kalk Bay – you have to go via Boyes Drive and access Kalk Bay from the Muizenberg side (north side!)

ACCESS TO KALK BAY AND BEYOND VIA MAIN ROAD Information distributed by the City of Cape Town

• A one-way only southbound traffic system has been implemented on Main Road (M4)

• This is a temporary system that will be in place for a period of 2 years (until Oct 2012)

• The one-way system promotes free flow of traffic to the south during the reconstruction of the Main Road

• The stop-go has been removed and traffic on Main Road is one-way free flowing to Kalk Bay and beyond.

• The on-way southbound system on Main Rd begins at St James Train Station and ends at Clairvaux Road (bottom of Boyes Drive)

• Road users are encourage to use Main Rd (southbound) to avoid delays on Boyes Drive.

• Main Road southbound also provides access to ample parking in the Kalk Bay business area.

Cape Point Route suggestions:
• Take the train!
• Take the Water Taxi from Simon's Town to Kalk Bay Stay in Kalk Bay and walk!

Photographs of Kalk Bay courtesy of Peter Haarhof

Peter is from the Cape Photographic Company and specializes in photographic day tours in and around the Cape and wildlife safaris. From beginners needing advice on camera settings, to advance photographers seeking the best locations for the best photographs.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Eat - Pray - Love







Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling novel “Eat Pray Love” has just been released on the South African movie circuit and women have been flocking to watch Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem in this chick flick about a 30 – something year old woman, who takes off on a round the world journey to find meaning, beauty and love in her life.

The 3 main parts are essentially:
Eat: a journey to Italy where she devours Italy’s buffet of food delights and learns the Italian language – basically a pleasure journey.
Pray: a journey to India where she meditates at an ashram and emulating the way of the yogis - basically a spiritual journey to make peace with herself.
Love: a journey to Bali where she tries to balance her discoveries and studies with a medicine man whilst falling in love.

The story is not new, its part romantic fiction and part journey of self discovery and soul searching but it is one woman’s personal tale mixed with sorrow & humour and she becomes a tour guide for internal and external journeys which is probably the universal appeal for so many women.

Whilst Cape Point Route can’t help you with personal spiritual insight or any love crisis – a journey to the Cape Point Route can offer you fantastic places to eat (and accommodation more appealing than the 1 bedroom Italian apartment!); healing spaces for prayer or spa’s to rejuvenate and we can almost guarantee a love affair with the region. What’s more you won’t have to take a year off, it’ll be more affordable than a global journey, easy to get here and there is plenty more than eating, talking and praying.

EAT:
With two coastlines, it’s no wonder that Seafood is the taste of the day on the Cape Point Route – but meat eaters are well catered for and vegetarian fare is found in most restaurants. A large variety of international cuisine is available to eat on the Cape Point Route – from Italian to Spanish, French to Japanese. Indulge and enjoy!

PRAY:
The Cape Point Route’s beauty is almost spiritual in itself but for those seeking assistance in their journey - there are meditation classes held regularly throughout the Cape Point Route coastal villages, there are numerous churches, mosques, synagogues and places of worship.
We also recommend indulging in a spa treatment and some relaxation!

LOVE:
Fall in love with the people, the scenery, the place you stay and the activities you can do! Check out our romance packages as well for some love tips!

If in doubt- call Cape Point Route for assistance or book a tour guide to help with your journey. Always remember that a magical escape does not have to be far away and enlightenment is a personal pilgrimage.
Cape Point Route offers the opportunity to EATPLAYSTAY !!!!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Win a Weekend In Noordhoek!!!








Great competition we just heard about to win a weekend for 2 people at Noordhoek Farm Village!!!! Closing date: 15 October 2010

Noordhoek Farm Village is nestled at the foot of Chapman’s Peak Drive, in a rural village, close to Noordhoek’s breathtaking Long Beach and beneath the mountains of the southern peninsula of Cape Town. Located just 30 minutes from Cape Town city centre and 40 minutes from Cape Town International Airport – Noordhoek offers a country feel with city access.

Enter our Perfect Day in Noordhoek Competition and you could win a weekend for 2 people at Noordhoek Farm Village.

You’ll stay at the 4 star De Noordhoek Hotel for 2 nights – a hotel which epitomizes Cape Country at the Beach.
Included in the prize are meal vouchers for all the restaurants at Noordhoek Farm Village – the Foodbarn Deli, The Foodbarn Restaurant, the Toad in the Village and Café Roux.

As a perfect addition to your stay you will receive 4 x R200 shopping vouchers for use at any of the retail stores or outlets at Noordhoek Farm Village – that’s R800 spending money!

So what is a perfect Noordhoek day?
We want to know about YOUR perfect Noordhoek Day and your favourite thing to do at Noordhoek Farm Village

COMPETITION: WIN A PERFECT WEEKEND AT NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE

Question 1:
Describe your perfect Noordhoek Day or your IDEA of a perfect Noordhoek Day.
Maximum – 250 words

Question 2:
What is your favourite thing to do at Noordhoek Farm Village?

Required Information:

NAME:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

TEL NO:

SUBURB & CITY OF RESIDENCE:

COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE:

How to Enter:

Email your entries to marketing@noordhoekvillage.co.za
Answer both questions and supply your contact details.

Closing Date for entries: Friday 15 October 2010 at 12 noon.
Full competition details here

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Monkeying it Up at Monkey Valley








Natasha has joined the Cape Point Route team and went to Monkey Valley Resort last week to experience this Noordhoek accommodation establishment – with old world log and thatched cottages and bedrooms overlooking Noordhoek beach.

I would like to share my experience of Monkey Valley Resort. We arrived a little later then we had hoped on Friday evening so it was after 7pm but we were greeted very promptly at reception. Nomasibo gave us our key for the Guinea Fowl room (Sea facing executive room) and we were escorted to our room. We had booked Bed and Breakfast but the great thing is that Monkey Valley Resort also offers self catering options.

The room was placed high up as if it was a huge tree house with the most amazing sea and mountain views. Standing on the veranda and looking straight ahead at the sea and the mountain joining and then looking down and seeing the top of the trees is such a stunning sight. It is not everyday I get to look down to a tree.

The room manual had information including the restaurant menus and as it was a bit later we decided to call reception and ask if we could order supper in our room. It took about 30 minutes from placing our order to receiving our meal in our room so we were super impressed. We ordered a delicious spicy beef pizza although they had a huge selection from pastas to fish dishes, meat and desserts to choose from. Next time we will probably eat in the restaurant!

We had a relaxing bath with curtains wide open (what a treat!). We were so high up that all that could be seen was the sea. Lying in their beautiful Victorian bath with a glass of wine looking out at the views was the most relaxing moment for me. A real working fireplace in the room brought a warm and cosy feel to the room and created a very special romantic atmosphere. Wood and firelighters were provided as well as the coffee and tea facilities- which was good to have as it made our stay very convenient with all the extras in the room.

We woke up in the early hours of the morning thinking it was raining gently when in fact it was the trees blowing in the wind making this calming sound. It was so amazing lying there and listening to the sea, trees whistling and the fire crackling away.

The next morning we went down to the restaurant for a full English breakfast – it was buffet style and a real feast - fruit, yoghurt, muesli’s and cereals, porridge, muffins, croissants, juices and of course the traditional eggs and bacon and tomatoes and mushrooms. Delicious! Check out is at 10:00 am but breakfast is served until 11.30am so on the day of departure you can always pack up and then chill out over a long breakfast – or brunch! You also don’t have to be a guest at the resort – the restaurant is open to the public.

After breakfast we walked around the resort – to see the pool (unfortunately it was quite overcast so we didn’t want to hang out by the pool) and the play area. We checked out the sauna (closed unfortunately) and also the conference/wedding venue! This would be an amazing spot to get married because the views and the setting are so spectacular – hard to get a more romantic view! The self catering rooms and cottages are all tucked away in between the trees (which I learnt were ancient milkwood trees – some more than 200 years old!). We took a walk down to the beach afterwards which was not hard to find as there were signs guiding us there. Noordhoek beach feels like endless sand – you can walk to the shipwreck the Kakapo but we didn’t have the energy or the time left for a long walk after our big breakfast and headed back up to the resort to depart. Very sad to go and leave the calm environment. It felt like I had been away for more than just one night. Would be great to stay for longer and experience some of the things to do – it’s close to Cape Point and you can go horse riding on the beach in Noordhoek. Seemed like there were lots of surfers on Noordhoek Beach as well!

All and All Monkey Valley Resort was amazing!!!

IMAGES:
Photographer Jacques Marais shot on location at Monkey Valley Resort


Cape Point Route is a booking agent for Monkey Valley Resort. Find and Book Noordhoek Accommodation, Noordhoek Guest Houses, Noordhoek Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation in Apartments, Cottages, Holiday Houses and Villas in Noordhoek. We also find and book accommodation in other towns on the Cape Point Route